Project: Developing a report tracking the change of platforms' community guidelines
Project
Developing a report tracking how major platforms' community guidelines changed year by year and the events that triggered that change by platform, policy change and effects of the change
Platform community guidelines and content moderation policies are regularly rewritten, with key elements changed or deleted without warning. These changes are often triggered by real-world events or public debate and change the nature of the platform, sometimes indefinitely. With archival systems like the Wayback Machine under threat, there’s increasingly no reliable record of how platform rules actually evolved over time — and why they did so.
Partner: Everything in Moderation
Everything in Moderation is an independent publication providing analysis and practical insights on platform governance, digital regulation and the systems shaping online safety and AI. Through reporting, expert commentary and practitioner-led guidance, EiM* helps readers understand how platforms, policymakers and technology companies are responding to the challenges of governing online spaces.
Application Process and Key Dates
Stage 1: Online application - deadline is Friday 06 November 2026
Stage 2: Shortlisting and selection
Stage 3: Application outcome notification by Monday 16 November 2026
Programme duration: Wednesday 03 February to Thursday 25 March 2027
Eligibility
- Current Queen Mary students
- Highly motivated and teamwork oriented
- Passionate about heritage and making a real impact in the world
- Willing to dedicate a total of 15 -20 hours across the project, including client meetings, teamwork, and individual work.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, as we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and success.
Apply
Apply by 23:45pm on Friday 6 November 2026.
We will contact you if you are shortlisted. If you do not hear from us by 16 November 2026, you have not been successful on this occasion.
If you have any questions, please email: history-qHeritage@qmul.ac.uk
We look forward to receiving your application!